How to Choose the Perfect Front Door

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Unless you are in the business of selling doors, windows, and siding, the chances are good you probably don’t put a lot of thought into your own front door very often… or any front door, for that matter.

In fact, you might not ever think about doors at all until you happen to need one, or see a really distinctive front door that catches your eye and wonder if it would look good on your house. Either way, you can suddenly discover that there are a lot of front doors out there, and that choosing the perfect one for your home can be a challenge.

Given that it doesn’t tend to come up very often for most homeowners, and that the majority of our customers aren’t door-buying experts themselves, we thought we’d give you a few tips to help you get started with your search. Here is a quick and easy guide to choosing the perfect front door for your home:

Start With the Right Style

There isn’t any such thing as the perfect front door – just the front door that’s perfect for your home.

That’s going to include things like color and style, of course, as well as different wood stains (if you choose a natural look), the shape and positioning of glass elements, and so on. You’ll want to be sure that the door you choose matches the aesthetic you’re looking for in your home, especially if you’ll be remodeling around it.

Make Safety and Visibility a Priority

Although most homeowners will focus on the color and design aspects of the front door, the reality is that it’s also going to be the main entry point into your home.

For that reason, it makes sense to choose a front door that offers plenty of visibility so you can see guests before they arrive. And you might want to go with a thick style of wood, or even consider other materials, if you have any concerns about crime or safety.

Think Ahead When Choosing a Front Door

You don’t want to have to replace your front door again anytime soon, so think into the future and ask yourself whether the door you’re considering will last, and whether you’ll be repainting or remodeling the rest of your home anytime soon.

In many cases, spending a little more to get the front door you really want, or the one you’re going to want a few years from now, makes more sense in the long run.

Using these three criteria, it probably won’t take you very long to narrow in on the type of door you’re looking for. Then, it’s time for the fun part – going shopping! No matter how sure you are of your needs and preferences, it’s always a good idea to see our doors for yourself before making a final decision. And of course, our team of sales associates is on hand to answer any questions you might have or to help you compare different front doors against one another.

The front door of your home isn’t just a way to get in and out of your house; it’s also important to the look and feel of your home, as well as its safety and energy efficiency. So choose carefully and don’t be afraid to contact us if you have questions about front door choices, pricing, and installation.

Better Business Bureau

New Windows for America has an expert team of installers who have been with the company since its early beginnings. Exceptional service combined with excellent products and warranties have made New Windows for America an A+ Gold Star Winner with the Better Business Bureau since 2003.

For a free, no hassle estimate, fill out the estimate form to the right, or call us at 720.920.0175.

Innovative Windows with Innovator Names

When most people think of windows, they picture a few pieces of glass in the wall that open and close; giving very little thought to the science that goes into modern glazing. At New Windows for America, innovation has reached new levels. Literally.

Edison Double Hung

Very few windows are designed for the rigors that housing in the Mile High City faces on a regular basis. The VinylMax™ Newton and Edison designs have been scientifically engineered for high altitudes in ways that would make their namesakes proud.

For some time, the insertion of argon gas in double paned windows has increased their insulation factor significantly. The denser-than-air material reduces radiant thermal transfer; the escaping of heat or cold through the glass. With argon, krypton, or other gases, the windows are vastly more energy efficient. Unfortunately, many less-costly windows are manufactured in low altitude factories and then shipped to higher elevations. Over time, as the sealant breaks down with cold and sun, the lower outside air pressure air will draw the argon gas out resulting in a less efficient window.

However, with the Newton and Edison windows, this has been taken into account. Their Vinyl welded seam and multi-chambered “I” Beam construction coupled with double strength dual paned glass keeps the frame rigid and the sealant from flexing during opening and closing. Additionally, both designs incorporate two options for between-pane spacers. The Intercept spacer provides steel reinforcement to support the structural design of the window, however the Super Spacer upgrade replaces the metal with a rigid foam. As an added bonus, the Newton and Edison designs utilize specialized IdealSeal™ and EdiSeal™ to eliminate leaks around the edges of the window and sash as time and settling disfigure the window frame. The IdealSeal incorporates triple Mylar fins and a foam filled bulb to provide extra protection. The EdiSeal uses a similar concept for the sash, where the IdealSeal is focused around the window edge itself. The additional weather stripping of both designs creates an interlocking seal to keep the elements out and making both windows a smart purchase.

Although there are a few more similarities between the two, it’s important to note a few differences. The Edison is a great all-around, multi-use window that is priced to compete with other styles. The Newton, on the other hand, is miles ahead of the rest. Not only does it slide like most in-wall windows, but it also has a tilt-to-clean feature with die-cast locks that control slide as well as tilt. No unsightly tilt locks here. Its low-pressure tilt pivots are designed for long lasting durability and whisper quiet function. Finally, “positive-pressure” pulls the window tight when not tilted for better energy efficiency. These design feature shoot the Vinylmax™ Newton right to the top of the list.

With the Edison and the Newton designs, Vinylmax™ has truly developed windows that can survive in both the harsh winters and hot summers of the Mile High City. Their rugged design, argon insulation, and Intelliglass construction make them top choices even without the other great improvements in energy efficiency and convenience. They are truly innovative windows that deserve their names.

Click here for an Estimate! We are offering a FREE Dinner with an In-Home Appointment (decision makers must be present)

Windows: Essential Parts of These Popular Projects

There are many options for windows, so there’s no need to think of Denver window installation as a project with inherent limits. Instead, it can result in a dramatically improved architectural appearance just as much as it can restore an original design. Here are some of the most common types of projects that involve windows:

Structural Restoration

This is most commonly needed when the old windows had wood frames. Wood rots, cracks, and is subject to being eaten by insects. Eventually, new window frames are needed because the old ones have failed. The new ones can be made of wood, but it’s more common for homeowners to switch to vinyl or metal in order to avoid further problems with rotting or insects.

Storm damage also results in the need for straightforward restorations. In these cases, new windows are typically parts of larger projects. Carpentry work, replacement siding, and windows may all be included. This can be a good time to go ahead and make upgrades, but often, insurance policies only cover restoring the house to its original design.

Architectural Upgrades

Homeowners can really get creative when they have budgeted for a full-on redesign of a part of the house. Now is the time to go for custom windows in unique shapes, put in a row of plate glass windows, or add a sliding window wall. The last two options will allow light to flood into the room and make it very cheery. Be sure to use insulated, double-glazed windows so that it doesn’t get hot as well!

Smaller upgrades are less costly and can be done much faster. Try adding a small custom-shaped window to an area that’s usually too dark. This works very well in high places where it’d be a hassle to use artificial lighting. Add unique windows over doors, too. Their high placement preserves home security while bringing visual distinctiveness to the house.

Upgrading Old Windows

Sometimes it’s not the looks of the window that need to change, but its functionality. Replace old single-glazed panes with double-glazed ones for a huge boost in efficiency. Add frosted windows to bathrooms and other private areas to bring in light without the possibility of prying eyes. Replace windows that don’t open with ones that do so that fresh air can be let into the house.

These are just some of the ideas that can be used to freshen up a house with windows.

Stop by and visit New Windows for America today, or contact us for more information!

Top 3 Things To Know About Condensation

You just got out of a nice warm shower. Look at the windows. Do you see that layer of fog and the droplets running down in rivulets? That’s condensation and normally, it’s really not a bad thing. However, when you start to find precipitation when no one has been in the bathroom, it’s time to start worrying. What may not seem like such a small thing can cause problems in areas you can’t see. Damaged paint, mildew in the drywall, and stained wood decorations are just a few of the problems that unwanted moisture can cause.

Here are the top 3 things you need to know about excess condensation in your house.

  1. A good thing is causing a bad problem. You’ve worked hard to make sure that your house is air tight to keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. The windows and doors have a good seal around them and you’ve found all of the cracks and holes in the walls that leak the conditioned air that you are paying good money for. Unfortunately, your hermetic house is now holding humidity from daily showers, dishwasher discharge, and slightly clogged dryer vents. Unwanted dampness is now trying to find its way out and can’t; raising the ambient moisture level which leads to…
  2. Higher humidity creating hidden horrors. When condensation can’t dissipate into the surrounding air, it has a tendency to collect in dark damp places and make them worse. Mildew and mold begin to develop in unseen areas and soon spread out along the edge of drywall and wooden joists in the walls. By the time it begins to show through the paint or peek out from floorboards and moldings, it’s a good bet that your walls need more than a coat of Kilz. As an added problem, residual droplets will eventually eat through wood varnish and stain or discolor wooden furniture and trim. Renovation or worse may be necessary. Don’t fret yet, however because…
  3. Controlling condensation is enormously easy. If you start to notice excessive vapor around the house, all you need to do is open a window. By letting fresh, albeit chilly, air circulate for ten minutes a day during the frosty months, you can prevent mold and mildew from taking over the house. Cold winter air is naturally dry and will act as a sponge; drawing out surplus damp and keeping unhealthy spore growth at bay. On the other hand, if the cost of reheating the house is too much, there are mechanical and chemical drying options that will keep your home dry. Search through the net and find one that works for you.

Although excess condensation can cause numerous aesthetic, structural, and health problems, it is a relatively simple situation to remedy. Keep an eye on the windows and you’ll catch it before it becomes a problem. If nothing else, open a window. Fresh air is good for the lungs!

When is it a Good Idea to Replace the Windows in a House?

Windows are some of the most prominent parts of a house, yet except for being fitted with some sort of coverings, they tend to get ignored by residents. This is because they will last for years before failing completely. Even so, it’s a good idea to pay more attention to them. Window replacement in Denver may turn out to be needed after all.

Old Windows May Not Be as Efficient as Possible

Like everything else, windows have become better over time. While there may not be a big difference between today’s windows and those made 10 years ago, there’s no doubt that those made 40 or 50 years ago are obsolete. One of the biggest differences is the switch from single-glazed windows to double-glazed and even triple-glazed products. A double-glazed window has a layer of air or other gas sealed between the panes, and this serves as insulation.

Wooden Frames May Harbor Hidden Rot

Wooden window frames are subject to rot, insect infestation, mold, and cracking. However, these problems often start with what seems like a tiny worn spot – a spot small enough to be missed if the windows aren’t carefully looked over on a regular basis. Even worse, a small defect can allow water to enter the frame underneath the surface and cause extensive damage not only to it, but the structural framing around the window opening.

To prevent problems of this sort, make sure to check over the windows and the surrounding wall areas every few months. Even better, pre-emptively replace the windows with vinyl, which doesn’t rot, crack, or draw insects.

It’s Drafty Near the Windows

This shows that they aren’t forming tight seals. Either there are gaps between the glass and the frames or there are spaces between the frames and the house. If the windows have always been this way, they’re probably of the old, inefficient variety. Newer windows can be drafty, too – failed seals or damage between the window frames and the house will let air in. Either way, leaky windows should be replaced.

These are just some of the reasons windows should be replaced even if they’re working the way they always have done. New ones provide tight seals when closed, have multiple efficiency features, and in most cases, use frames that will never rot or crack. Check out the options today to see how much better the technology has become.

Call us today at 303-920-0175 or click here for an estimate from New Windows for America!

Siding, Trim and Railing: 2019 Is All About Color!

By Brian Kirn – CertainTeed

As the industry’s color leader, we’re always listening to our customers’ feedback and evaluating what colors to add and to which products. In 2019, we’re excited to extend 16 colors to a variety of products in the CertainTeed lineup.

Siding to Get New Colors

Cedar Impressions

We’ve been blown away by the positive response to Cedar Impressions® Individual 5″ Sawmill Shingles‘ authentic cedar shingle appearance. After receiving a multitude of requests for solid colors to mimic the look of painted/dipped shingles, we’re proud to announce the launch of five solid colors to the Individual 5″ Sawmill Shingle panels and mitered corners: Colonial White, Natural Clay, Savannah Wicker, Seagrass and Sterling Gray.

Monogram

We’ll also be launching two new additional colors to the Monogram® line for the standard Double 4″ (D4) Clapboard, Double 5″ Clapboard and Double 5″ Dutchlap profiles, as well as to the extended length panels (16′, 20′ and 25′) in the D4 profile and to the Board & Batten Single 7″ family. These two new bold colors – Melrose, a saturated red apple color, and Brownstone, a bold, creamy chocolate color with hints of red – join the four colors added in 2018 (Espresso, Slate, Midnight Blue and Castle Stone). These new colors will also be introduced in a full line of complementary accessories that include: J-Channel, Undersill Trim, Outside Corner, Inside Corner, Bay Window Corner, T4 Universal Soffit and Trim Coil.

We have introduced a new solid color accessory for the Cedar Impressions Single 7″ Straight Edge Perfection Shingles that will very closely match the color Cedar Blend. The color will be available in the full line of Cedar Blend Solid accessories, which includes Outside Corner, Inside Corner, J-Channel, Undersill Trim, Cornice Mold and Bay Window Corner.

Click here to read the entire article

5 Things to Look For When Choosing Replacement Windows in Denver or Boulder

Choosing Replacement Windows Denver

When you need replacement windows for your home in Denver or Boulder, it can be tempting to simply make a few calls, or take a trip down to your local home improvement store. After all, you probably want new windows installed into your home quickly… not to mention at the lowest possible cost.

But, there is more to choosing the right windows than simply finding the right price, or a set of glass in frames. In fact, years of experience have taught us that there are five important things you should look for when choosing replacement windows in Denver or Boulder:

Quality

Although a lot of different replacement windows, and companies, can all look the same, some brands are more reliable than others. In many cases, you can spot differences in quality simply by feeling the windows with your hands. Looking at the warranties that are offered is a good way to see what kind of quality is available, as well.

Energy efficiency

As we all know, living in Colorado means dealing with heat, cold, and everything in between – sometimes all in the same month. Having replacement windows that are energy-efficient saves you money and makes your home more comfortable.

Free Estimates

One of our qualified window professionals will arrange for your free in-home estimate with no further obligation from you. It’s quick, easy and we offer an exceptional price that nobody can match for the quality of products you are receiving.

Factory direct sales

Although there aren’t many businesses like ours that offer factory-direct sales to the public, you shouldn’t settle for anything less. That’s because buying factory-direct replacement windows can help you save a lot of money. Plus, when you cut out the middleman, you can get better answers to your most important questions.

Choosing the right Colorado replacement window company

Although products and policies are very important, so is working with the right business. That’s because the right replacement window company is going to stand by what they sell, making sure you are satisfied with your purchase (and the installation) at every step in the process.

All windows aren’t the same, and you only want the best for your home. That’s why you should do what hundreds of other Colorado homeowners have and call or visit New Windows for America today. We’ll help you find the Denver or Boulder home replacement windows that are perfect for you!

Click here to fill out a FREE ESTIMATE request form, or call our showroom at (303) 920-0175 or (877) WINDOWS today!

Window Safety Tips

Pella Windows Home Safety

Nearly 5,000 children in the United States are treated in hospital emergency departments annually for injuries sustained from falling out windows, according to the Safe Kids Worldwide® campaign. Many of those falls occur during spring and summer months as families open windows to let fresh air in but fail to take adequate safety precautions which can lead to accidental falls.

To help raise safety awareness, Pella Corporation has partnered with the National Safety Council, through its Window Safety Task Force, and others in the window and door industry to communicate to consumers about the importance of proper installation, function and use of windows in a home or building.

Pella offers these important tips to help enhance home safety:

  • Remember there is no safety substitute for responsible adult supervision around children. Set and enforce rules about keeping children’s play away from windows, doors and balconies to help prevent an accidental fall or injury.
  • For greatest safety, keep your windows closed and locked when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open those that a child cannot reach. For example, on double-hung windows which feature two moveable sashes, open the top portion for ventilation and keep the bottom part closed for greater safety.
  • Keep furniture such as beds and dressers — or anything children can climb — away from windows to help improve safety in your home. Don’t allow children to jump on beds or sofas, which could lead to accidental falls or injury. Furniture placed under a window can create an enticement to climb and the potential to fall, especially for young children. Furniture placed under a window could also slow your escape from a home in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
  • Windows provide a secondary means of escape from a burning home. For greater safety, determine your family’s emergency escape plan and practice it regularly.
  • Designate a door as the primary exit and a window as an alternate escape route from each room in your home. Make sure each opens quickly and easily and keep the escape route free from clutter, which could present a tripping or falling hazard, especially in dark or smoky conditions. Remember that children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.
  • When performing seasonal repairs or cleaning, make sure your windows and doors are not jammed, painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them quickly to escape in an emergency. If they don’t, it’s time to consider replacement, because windows and doors can be replaced; lives can’t.
  • Windows, which tilt in for cleaning, not only provide greater convenience, but greater potential safety, too. When choosing windows, look for those which can be cleaned from the interior simply by tilting the unit inward, eliminating the need to climb an exterior ladder for window cleaning.
  • If you have young children in your home and are considering adding window guards or window fall prevention devices, properly install approved guards that meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, and feature a quick-release mechanism, so they can be opened for escape in an emergency. Consult your local building code official for more information on approved fall prevention devices and proper placement.
  • If you live in an area subject to hurricanes, consider impact-resistant glass for windows and patio doors to help provide year-round protection from winds, rain and flying debris. Impact-resistant glass, which cannot be easily penetrated helps protect your home year-round, providing a safe solution.
  • If your home features impact-resistant windows or patio doors designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, train your family members to first attempt to open the window to exit through it in an emergency, rather than trying to break the glass. Impact-resistant glass cannot be easily penetrated, so it’s important to acquaint everyone in your household with how to open units, or designate other exits if the unit is fixed in place and does not open.
  • For added protection, choose blinds and shades with no room-side cords; window treatments with traditional cords can contribute to childhood injuries. One option is Pella’s Designer Series® collection of windows and patio doors, which feature blinds or shades protected between panes of glass. The cordless operation of the collection and protection of window treatments between glass helps keep children and pets safer in the home. Designer Series windows and doors are also beneficial for those with allergies and asthma; units featuring blinds protected between panes of glass can significantly reduce indoor airborne allergens. Recent research found that windows with traditional room-side blinds collected 200 times more of certain indoor airborne allergens than the Designer Series products.*

Additional window safety tips are available year-round at: www.nsc.org.

For more information on quality windows, please click here, or contact your window specialist at New Windows for America at 303.920.0175.

*Based on data from research conducted by the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at The University of Iowa.

New Season for New Windows

Did you spend your winter under piles of blankets because of drafty windows? Now is the time to consider new windows for your home.

New Windows for America

New Windows for America advises customers to look for three things when shopping for windows:

  1. A good quality window so they never have to shop for windows again as long as they own their home
  2. A company that stands behind the products they sell, and offers the warranties to prove it. This gives the customer the comfort of knowing if anything goes wrong with their new windows, it will be taken care of at no additional cost.
  3. And most importantly, quality at an affordable price.

New Windows for America is a family-owned and operated factory direct suppliers of the highest quality vinyl, wood and composite windows available. In business since 1987, owners Clyde and Kathleen Lundeen say their company helps homeowners find the right windows at the right price, designed to suit the Colorado altitude.

“We sell great products at affordable fair prices. Our customer comes back for additional products and refer others to us all the time,” explained Kathleen.

“We have unbeatable warranties that cover every part of the window including the glass and installation,” Kathleen said. “All this along with an exceptional price that nobody can match for this quality of window.”

Better Business Bureau

New Windows for America has an expert team of installers who have been with the company since its early beginnings. Exceptional service combined with excellent products and warranties have made New Windows for America an A+ Gold Star Winner with the Better Business Bureau since 2003.

For a free, no hassle estimate, fill out the estimate form to the right, or call us at 720.920.0175.


Grammond, Jo-Anne, “New Season for New Windows”. Spotlight Magazine. Spring 2015

Top 10 Spring Things to Check

Spring Cleaning

Spring has sprung! The days are longer and the air is warmer. Time to put away the winter coats and break out the toolbox. Winter storms and temperatures can wreak havoc on a home and finding out where repairs may be necessary is vital. Some are cheap; others…not so much. In any case, it needs to be done. So get up off your duff, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to look at these Top 10 Spring Things to Check!

  1. Spring Cleaning. Your house has been shut up all winter; hermetically sealed against the cold winter storms. Now that spring is here, it’s time to open the windows and start dusting! Make a list of what need to go into storage and which rooms are in most dire need of cleaning.
  2. Change the Filter. This is a bi-annual job best done during the spring and fall. Clogged air filters in the furnace often cause the unit to work harder which means a higher energy bill.
  3. Air out the Attic. Leaks or condensation buildup in the attic are a great place for mold and mildew to start. By opening attic vents and letting a fan blow through, you dry out the stale, possible humid air and make it harder for spores to grow. This is also a fantastic time to look for those leaks and get them repaired.
  4. Test the top. While we’re on the subject on the roof, safely climb up and check for broken, worn, or buckled shingles. The summer heat will exacerbate any damage that’s already been done during the winter and increase the chances of a leak. While you’re up there, check the chimney as well.
  5. Gauge the Gutters. This one gets a whole section of its own since this can be a huge job. Yearly cleaning of the gutters will keep old detritus from compacting and composting; weighing down the bracers and creating sagging areas. It’s also another place to figure out how much graveling your shingles have lost.
  6. Scope the Sides. Since you started at the top, work your way down. Look for cracks and leaks around window frames and doorways. Are there breaks or damage to the siding? Maybe this is the year to slap a fresh coat of paint on.
  7. Brace the Bottom. The melting snow has a tendency to wash earth away from the foundation so you may need to replace it with new compacted soil to prevent basement leaks. Look at outdoor faucets as well for breaks or leaks in the wall around them.
  8. Look at the Lawn. Wander around your yard and find low spots where water may collect. It may be great for the grass in that area, but it also means that water is flowing away from other spots that won’t look as healthy later on in the season. De-winterize your lawn tools now as well. Change out old gas and clean the contacts so that you aren’t fighting to start the mower when the time does come to trim the grass.
  9. Check the Cooler. Whether you have forced air A/C or and evaporative cooler, this is the time to get them cleaned and cleared. Check the A/C condenser for any twigs or other fan blade damaging debris that might cause costly repairs. Open up the swamp cooler and clean the media to prevent that nasty musty smell the first few times you run it.
  10. Deck out the Deck. Let’s face it, with longer days, you’re going to be out here more and it needs to be nice. Look for damaged or warped boards that need to be replaced. Break out and hose off the patio furniture that has been buried at the back of the garage since late fall. Take the cover off of the grill and give the slats a scrape to clear off the dust that has collected.

Prepping for spring and summer isn’t really hard to do. It can be time consuming and may claim a few weekends. While inspecting your house, take a look at your windows, siding and doors. Do they need spring cleaning, or maybe even replacement? Contact New Windows for America for a FREE estimate! When you have completed this checklist, you will know that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer.